May 6, 2019
It’s that time of year when many homeowners in southern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire notice glaring water issues in their basements and crawl spaces. The winter snow has melted, after all, and heavy spring rain only adds to the amount of ground water around the house. Meanwhile, poor drainage, plumbing leaks, and nearby water sources may also allow water to accumulate at the foundation.
Whatever the cause of water issues in your basement or crawl space, addressing those issues as soon as possible is vital to protecting the integrity of your home and keeping your indoor air free of mold and musty odors. Here’s what you can do to prevent water from seeping through those foundation walls.
Target Water Related Problems at the Source
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to install rigid foam board or a thin plastic sheet in an attempt to control moisture related issues in the basement. However, approaches like these only mask symptoms rather than target where water is coming from in the first place.
In any damp basement or crawl space, it’s important to target water related problems at the source. Depending on your particular circumstances, this may be done using a variety of moisture mitigation services, such as:
Sump pump installation
A sump pump discharges water that has accumulated in the sump pit and moves it away from the home.
Interior perimeter drain piping
Interior perforated drainage piping moves water infiltration into the sump pit or to an area where it can more efficiently drain.
Vapor barrier installation
A heavy duty vapor barrier installed along the foundation floor and walls provides an airtight seal and keeps unwanted moisture out.
Dimple drainage matting
Dimple drainage matting may be installed between the subgrade and vapor barrier to create an airspace which allows moisture to drain with the grade.
Floor insulation
Rolls of expanded polystyrene foam (much like a styrofoam material) may be installed between the dimple drainage matting and vapor barrier to reduce condensation and add insulation to the basement or crawl space floor.
Dehumidification
If needed, a dehumidifier may be installed as an additional means of regulating indoor humidity and ensuring healthier indoor air quality.
Get a Custom Waterproofing Solution for Your Home
Are you looking to resolve water issues in your basement or crawl space? Get in touch with Vermont Foam Insulation. We’re proud to offer all of the above moisture mitigation services in Vermont and New Hampshire to make crawl spaces and basements the dry and comfortable spaces they should be. During a free site visit, one of our waterproofing experts can talk to you about your home’s pain points and discuss which solutions may be best for your home.